Fargo Police arrest adult for Luring a Minor

Fargo, ND (WDAY TV) - Another man is behind bars tonight, accused of luring a 14 year old Fargo girl, and having sex with her. This, on the heels of a similar arrest made just last week.

Fargo Police say this sort of crime is something the department takes very seriously and it's happening more and more. In this case, it's 23-year old Patrick Wayne Schmitz, of Fargo, who is accused of luring a 14-year old girl.

The girl's mother found inappropriate messages on her daughter's computer, and then confronted her about them. Police say in these sorts of cases, the minors may not realize the danger they're putting themselves in.

They say it's up to parents to keep and eye on their children, and monitor what they're doing at all times.

“You’re the responsible party in the house. Take the cell phone or item away from them and don't allow them to use it. Certainly technology's great, but it's becoming a gateway to things like we're dealing with now.”

Generally, Lykken says people who lure children on the internet know what they're doing is wrong, but they think they won't get caught, or they just don't care about the consequences.